The National Sports Award was conducted in New Delhi on November 13, 2021. As many as 12 athletes were honoured with the prestigious award by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prominent Khel Ratna Award 2021 winners include Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, Olympic silver-medallist wrestler Ravi Dahiya, Olympics bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain and more. Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar was honoured as well, but he was not present in the ceremony as his mother passed away hours before Nagar was to receive his award. The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is given to a sportsperson for the spectacular performance in the field of sports.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on Lovlina Borgohain in recognition for her achievements in boxing.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on Sunil Chhetri in recognition for his achievements in football.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on Sumit Antil in recognition for his achievements in para athletics.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind confers Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 on PR Sreejesh in recognition for her achievements in hockey.